1-First step: Make the slaw Start with the slaw so the flavors have time to mingle while you cook the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced cabbage, scallions, and cilantro. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and juice of 1 lime, then toss until everything is coated evenly. The slaw should look creamy but still feel light and crunchy. If you like a sharper flavor, add a little extra lime juice. If you are making these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw for kids or guests who prefer milder food, keep the lime forward and skip extra spice in the slaw.

2-Second step: Mix the bang bang sauce In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste it and adjust the heat if needed. A little more sriracha gives you a spicier sauce, while a little more sweet chili sauce softens the heat and brings more sweetness. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, so make sure it tastes balanced before you toss it with the shrimp. If you want to prepare ahead, both the slaw and the sauce can be made earlier in the day and kept covered in the fridge.

3-Third step: Season and coat the shrimp Pat the shrimp dry first. This matters because wet shrimp will not crisp as well. Season them with salt and pepper, then dip each piece into the buttermilk so the coating has something to grab onto. Next, dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch until every side is well coated. The cornstarch is what gives this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw recipe its crisp shell. Do not replace it with flour if you want the shrimp to fry up light and crunchy.

4-Fourth step: Fry the shrimp Heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep pot until it reaches 350 to 365°F. Use a thermometer if you have one, because the oil temperature matters a lot here. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will turn greasy. If it is too hot, the coating can burn before the shrimp cooks through. Working in batches, fry the shrimp until golden brown, usually just a few minutes per side depending on size. Do not crowd the pan. Frying in batches helps the oil stay in that ideal temperature range, which keeps the coating crisp. Place the cooked shrimp on a paper towel lined plate or rack to drain briefly.

5-Fifth step: Toss the shrimp in sauce Once the shrimp are fried and still warm, place them in a bowl and spoon the bang bang sauce over the top. Toss gently until each shrimp is coated. You want enough sauce to coat every piece without drowning the crisp edges. If you love extra sauce, keep a little on the side for drizzling over the tacos right before serving. This is also a great spot to adjust the heat. Add more sriracha if you like things spicy, or serve the tacos with extra sauce for dipping.

6-Final step: Assemble and serve Warm the flour tortillas so they bend easily and do not crack. Add a layer of slaw, then top with the saucy shrimp. Finish each taco with a squeeze of lime and, if you like, a sprinkle of extra cilantro or sliced scallions. Serve the tacos right away while the shrimp are hot and crisp. The contrast between the creamy slaw, crunchy shell, soft tortillas, and tangy sauce is what makes Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw so fun to eat. This recipe serves 4, and each serving is about 3 tacos.